ey were not to be victimized even if they were a couple of boys
not yet out of their teens. The janitor of the building very promptly
removed the blood stains and a glazier put up another glass in place of
the one that was broken. The bank bad not been open an hour ere a
carriage drove up in front and a tall, gray-haired man alighted and went
in.

"Ah, you are Mr. Gaines!" said Fred, on seeing him. "Come into the
little office and sit down. I am very glad to see you out again."

"Thank you, my young friend," said the old gentleman, following him into
a little office and seating himself in a comfortable arm-chair. "I have
called to thank you in person for the kind service you rendered me in
the Stock Exchange that day. You saved my life!"

"Mr. Gaines, I am glad I was able to do as I did," said Fred. "You sent
me a watch and chain, which I prize very highly. I am sure I don't
deserve any more credit than what you have already given me."

"Well, I want to show my gratitude, for it is a pleasure to do so. Who
is your broker in the Exchange now?"

"We have no regular broker. We have engaged a different one for each
deal we have made."

"Would you like to have a seat there yourself?"

"Yes, sir, but I am too young, I guess."

"There is no limit as to age. If you are able to buy a seat you can have
one."

"But a seat is worth $30,000."

"Yes. I have a seat. I am never going to use it again. I was badly
squeezed that day in the Exchange, and lost many thousands of dollars.
But I have enough to live and die on, and so intend to sell my seat. If
you can pay $5,000 cash you can pay the balance in five years--$5,000 a
year."

"I'll take it," said Fred.

"Very well. I can get $30,000 in cold cash for it, but don't care to let
the man have it at any price."

Fred gave him the money and the seat was duly transferred.

"I wish you all the success in the world, my good friend," said the old
man, rising and extending his hand to Fred.

"Thank you, sir. I am deeply grateful to you for this favor. May I ask
you a question?"

"Yes, as many as you please," replied the old man, resuming his seat.
"What is it?"

"Is Mrs. Bryant a relative of yours?"

"Yes. She is my niece. Why?"

"Mr. Bryant and I don't love each other much, and I heard the other day
of your relationship to his wife. I didn't believe it."

"Yes, it's true. I heard you had some wool hung up and labeled 'Bryant's
fleece.' Is it true?"

"Yes," and Fr